"Royalty" will be at the New Candlelight Theater tonight for its bi-annual fundraising drag show, "Once Upon a Queendom." Campy and over-the-top, the show features two dazzling acts.

First, the audience will be treated to scenes from "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Wiz" as they've never seen the shows before. The second act is "actor's choice" as long as it fits in with the theme of the show.

"People are going to love the audience interaction," said one of the show's performers Petra DeLuca. "The level of creativity is out of this world. Most everyone comes up with their own costuming, from huge headpieces and fantastic wardrobe to amazing makeup and their own choreography."

Unlike other drag shows, though, there is no lip-synching. This is all live.

"I'm singing 'If I Only Had a Brain' as a total ditzy blonde in act one," said DeLuca. "In act two, I'm singing 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' It's not so much a character as an in-your-face performance.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The ticket price ($25) includes dinner and there will be a full bar throughout the show.

Stages set for Delaware Theatre Company productions include carefully selected pieces of furniture, hard-to-find vintage pieces and, of course, mountains of costumes. Tomorrow, though, all of that those one-of-a-kind items will likely find new homes during the DTC Estate Sale.

Curtain call for the event is 8 a.m. and DTC Marketing Manager Amanda Curry said that people should arrive early for first crack at all of the merchandise. What's for sale? Clothing for men and women, furniture, toys, typewriters, record players, old lamps, hats and everything it takes to bring another world to life on the stage. Items range in price from 50 cents to $50. Curry added that there may be a couple of more expensive items but nothing will be more than $100.

Page 2 of 3 - "We're delighted to present a wealth of items from our acclaimed shows here at DTC and allow theater-goers and members of other theaters the opportunity to own an item that was on the stage," said Curry. "For example, loved 'The Outgoing Tide' this season? We'll have shirts worn by actor Peter Strauss for purchase."

Winterthur curators have created an exhibit so that visitors can experience the fictional world of "Downton Abbey" while also highlighting the contrasting world of Winterthur founder Henry Francis du Pont and his contemporaries in the first half of the 20th century.

A co-production of Carnival Films and Masterpiece Theatre, "Downton Abbey" depicts life in an aristocratic household of the fictional Earl and Countess of Grantham and is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed period dramas ever produced. It has won a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries and seven Emmys including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries.

"Winterthur is delighted to add this artistic and historical masterpiece to our already outstanding schedule of major exhibitions for the coming year," said Winterthur Director David Roselle. "The exhibit will not only showcase authentic designs from the series that has taken America by storm but also provide a remarkable educational experience by holding up a mirror to both places and societies. We think it's going to be a real treat."

Approximately 35 historically accurate costumes from the television show will be displayed in Winterthur's largest gallery space. The costumes will be supplemented by photographs and vignettes inspired by the fictional program and by real life at Winterthur.

Bonus: Book some midweek fun

WHAT "An Evening with the Author," featuring Caroline Leavitt

WHERE Lamborn Library, 1041 Valley Road, Hockessin

WHEN 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 19

COST $10

INFO (302) 235-7665

Bibliophiles take notice. The Hockessin Bookshelf is bringing yet another best-selling author to town. This time, it's American novelist Caroline Leavitt who will be discussing her latest work, "Is This Tomorrow."

The author of 10 books and numerous essays and articles, Leavitt's new book takes readers to the 1950s and puts them in the middle of the disappearance of 12-year-old Jimmy Rearson. An examination of grief and loss wrapped up in a suspense-driven plot, the book poses what happens to the people left behind after tragedy.

Page 3 of 3 - Unlike other book signings, it's likely that fans of Leavitt will have ample opportunity to chat one-on-one with the author. There are no long lines for signatures. Instead, everybody mixes and mingles while chatting and munching on the provided refreshments. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by visiting the Hockessin Bookshelf, located at 7179 Lancaster Pike. Tickets will be available at the door but Dowling said that readers will still need to let her know in advance that they're attending.

"Just call us and we'll reserve the spot," said Dowling. "However, we will only be able to accept cash or personal checks at the event so people should be prepared for that."